Perry can clinch Champions Tour season win Sunday

Published 10:15 pm, Saturday, November 2, 2013

Perry arrived in San Francisco with a commanding lead in the Champions Tour's season points race. He can clinch the title (and $1 million prize) by finishing alone in fifth place or higher - or if any player other than Bernhard Langerwins this tournament.

And Langer will need an epic comeback Sunday to catch Couples.

Langer shot even-par 71 in Saturday's third round. That left him at 7-under for the tournament, tied for seventh with Perry and Rocco Mediate- eight shots behind Couples.

Or, in other words, Perry doesn't have much to worry about. He still wants to build on the good vibes created by his 67 on Saturday.

"If I can go out and shoot another good round, I can finish in the top five, and then it's in my hands, not his," Perry said. "I'd like to do it on my own."

Lehman quickly bolted from Harding Park after Friday's second round. He traveled to Tempe, Ariz., to watch his son, Thomas, play his final regular-season game as quarterback for Notre Dame Prep. The Saints lost 38-19 to Corona Del Sol High.

Lehman then returned to San Francisco late Friday night, arriving at 2 a.m. Even then, he struggled to fall asleep as he repeatedly "went over the whole football game" in his head.

It obviously didn't adversely affect his golf. Lehman teed off at 11:30 Saturday - and promptly shot 65, the best round of the day. He made seven birdies and one bogey, and he was most proud of the latter number.

"Almost every time I had a chance for bogey, I made the par-saving putt," Lehman said.

Lehman, who won this tournament last year in Scottsdale, Ariz., will begin Sunday's final round at 9-under-par, six shots behind Couples.

Briefly: Willie Mays, an avid golf fan, attended Saturday's third round. ... Dan Forsman, a five-time PGA Tour winner who grew up in Mountain View, shot 69 after struggling on the tournament's first two days (74-73). ... Other locals: Longtime Olympic Club member Michael Allenis tied for 19th, and San Jose State alum Mark Wiebeis 26th.